Optimization of municipal solid waste incineration for low-NOx emissions through numerical simulation.

With urbanization, municipal solid waste (MSW) generation is increasing. Traditional landfill methods face land shortages and environmental pollution. Waste incineration, which reduces waste and recovers resources, has become a key management method. However, nitrogen oxides (NOx) produced during incineration severely impact the environment, requiring improved control technologies. This study optimized three denitrification technologies-air staging, flue gas recirculation (FGR), and selective non-catalytic reduction (SNCR)-using numerical simulations. The research provides support for improving waste incinerator efficiency and stability while reducing NOx emissions, aiding the sustainable development of waste incineration technology. By optimizing the primary and secondary air distribution ratios, the initial NOx generation was reduced by 8.39%. When 20% of the recirculated flue gas was introduced as secondary air, NOx generation was reduced by 23.54%, and boiler efficiency increased to 83.78%. The study examined the impact of different sludge mixing ratios on the temperature and NOx emissions within the context of municipal solid waste (MSW) incineration. Initially, the study aimed to address the environmental concerns of NOx emissions during the incineration process by exploring how the introduction of sludge at various mixing ratios would affect combustion parameters. The results showed that a sludge mixing ratio between 3 and 13% optimized the combustion process with 7% being the most effective in balancing temperature control and NOx emissions. Specifically, the best value of the sludge mixing ratio refers to achieving an optimal reduction in NOx emissions while maintaining stable incinerator operation. The chemical compositions of the sludge included key elements such as carbon (C), hydrogen (H), nitrogen (N), sulfur (S), and oxygen (O), with approximate proportions of C: 31.2%, H: 4.7%, N: 2.5%, S: 0.6%, and O: 31.8%.

Bioinspired iontronic synapse fibers for ultralow-power multiplexing neuromorphic sensorimotor textiles.

Artificial neuromorphic devices can emulate dendric integration, axonal parallel transmission, along with superior energy efficiency in facilitating efficient information processing, offering enormous potential for wearable electronics. However, integrating such circuits into textiles to achieve biomimetic information perception, processing, and control motion feedback remains a formidable challenge. Here, we engineer a quasi-solid-state iontronic synapse fiber (ISF) comprising photoresponsive TiO2, ion storage Co-MoS2, and an ion transport layer. The resulting ISF achieves inherent short-term synaptic plasticity, femtojoule-range energy consumption, and the ability to transduce chemical/optical signals. Multiple ISFs are interwoven into a synthetic neural fabric, allowing the simultaneous propagation of distinct optical signals for transmitting parallel information. Importantly, IFSs with multiple input electrodes exhibit spatiotemporal information integration. As a proof of concept, a textile-based multiplexing neuromorphic sensorimotor system is constructed to connect synaptic fibers with artificial fiber muscles, enabling preneuronal sensing information integration, parallel transmission, and postneuronal information output to control the coordinated motor of fiber muscles. The proposed fiber system holds enormous promise in wearable electronics, soft robotics, and biomedical engineering.

Associations of oxidative balance score with hyperuricemia and gout among American adults: a population-based study.

Objective: The current study aimed to assess the relationships between oxidative balance score (OBS) and OBS subclasses (dietary and lifestyle OBS) with risks of hyperuricemia (HUA) and gout among American adults. Methods: Participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2007 to 2018 were initially recruited and then the final sample was restricted to adults without missing values about serum uric acid, gout, OBS, and covariates. Rao-Scott adjusted chi-square test and analysis of variance were utilized to compare the baseline characteristics in adults of different quartiles of OBS, while the weighted stepped logistic regression models were used to explore the associations of overall, dietary, and lifestyle OBS with the risks of HUA and gout. Weighted restricted cubic spline analyses were conducted to explore the nonlinear dose-response associations. Results: The final sample consisted of 22,705 participants aged 20 years and older, which was representative of approximately 197.3 million non-institutionalized American adults. HUA and gout prevalence decreased with OBS quartiles. Compared with adults in the first quartile of OBS, those in the second (OR: 0.85, 95% CI: 0.72-0.99), third (OR: 0.71, 95% CI: 0.58-0.85), and fourth (OR: 0.48, 95% CI: 0.38-0.61) quartiles of OBS had reduced risks of hyperuricemia. Similarly, adults in the second (OR: 0.70, 95% CI: 0.51-0.97) quartile of OBS was associated with lower gout risk in comparison to adults in the lowest quartile. Regarding OBS subclasses, dietary and lifestyle OBS were both negatively correlated with the risk of HUA, and only higher lifestyle OBS was significantly associated with lower gout risk. Furthermore, the subgroup analyses and interaction effects also substantiated similar effects. Significant nonlinear dose-response relationships were observed between overall, dietary, and lifestyle OBS with HUA risk as well as that of lifestyle OBS with gout risk. Conclusion: This study strongly suggests the significant negative associations of OBS with HUA and gout in American adults and provides a dietary and lifestyle guideline to reduce the risks.

Coiled Carbon Nanotube Fibers Sheathed by a Reinforced Liquid Crystal Elastomer for Strong and Programmable Artificial Muscles.

Fibers of liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) as promising artificial muscle show ultralarge and reversible contractile strokes. However, the contractile force is limited by the poor mechanical properties of the LCE fibers. Herein, we report high-strength LCE fibers by introducing a secondary network into the single-network LCE. The double-network LCE (DNLCE) shows considerable improvements in tensile strength (313.9%) and maximum actuation stress (342.8%) compared to pristine LCE. To facilitate the controllability and application, a coiled artificial muscle fiber consisting of DNLCE-coated carbon nanotube (CNT) fiber is prepared. When electrothermally driven, the artificial muscle fiber outputs a high actuation performance and programmable actuation. Furthermore, by knitting the artificial muscle fibers into origami structures, an intelligent gripper and crawling inchworm robot have been demonstrated. These demonstrations provide promising application scenarios for advanced intelligent systems in the future.

Ultra-low power carbon nanotube/porphyrin synaptic arrays for persistent photoconductivity and neuromorphic computing.

Developing devices with a wide-temperature range persistent photoconductivity (PPC) and ultra-low power consumption remains a significant challenge for optical synaptic devices used in neuromorphic computing. By harnessing the PPC properties in materials, it can achieve optical storage and neuromorphic computing, surpassing the von Neuman architecture-based systems. However, previous research implemented PPC required additional gate voltages and low temperatures, which need additional energy consumption and PPC cannot be achieved across a wide temperature range. Here, we fabricated a simple heterojunctions using zinc(II)-meso-tetraphenyl porphyrin (ZnTPP) and single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs). By leveraging the strong binding energy at the heterojunction interface and the unique band structure, the heterojunction achieved PPC over an exceptionally wide temperature range (77 K-400 K). Remarkably, it demonstrated nonvolatile storage for up to 2×104 s, without additional gate voltage. The minimum energy consumption for each synaptic event is as low as 6.5 aJ. Furthermore, we successfully demonstrate the feasibility to manufacture a flexible wafer-scale array utilizing this heterojunction. We applied it to autonomous driving under extreme temperatures and achieved as a high impressive accuracy rate as 94.5%. This tunable and stable wide-temperature PPC capability holds promise for ultra-low-power neuromorphic computing.

Sodium alginate-based coaxial fibers synergistically integrate moisture actuation, length tracing, humidity sensing, and electric heating.

The development of wearable electronics has driven the need for smart fibers with advanced multifunctional synergy. In this paper, we present a design of a multifunctional coaxial fiber that is composed of a biopolymer-derived core and an MXene/silver nanowire (AgNW) sheath by wet spinning. The fiber synergistically integrates moisture actuation, length tracing, humidity sensing, and electric heating, making it highly promising for portable devices and protective systems. The biopolymer-derived core provides deformation for moisture-sensitive actuation, while the MXene/AgNW sheath with good conductivity enables the fiber to perform electric heating, humidity sensing, and self-sensing actuation. The coaxial fiber can be programmed to rapidly desorb water molecules to shrink to its original length by using the MXene/AgNW sheath as an electrical heater. We demonstrate proof-of-concept applications based on the multifunctional fibers for thermal physiotherapy and wound healing/monitoring. The sodium alginate@MXene-based coaxial fiber presents a promising solution for the next-generation of smart wearable electronics.

Case report: Virtual reality-based arm and leg cycling combined with transcutaneous electrical spinal cord stimulation for early treatment of a cervical spinal cord injured patient.

Spinal cord injury is a condition affecting the central nervous system, causing different levels of dysfunction below the point of nerve damage. A 50-year-old woman suffered a neck injury as a result of a car accident. After undergoing posterior cervical C3-C6 internal fixation with titanium plates on one side and C7 lamina decompression, the patient, who had been diagnosed with C3-C7 cervical disk herniation and spinal stenosis causing persistent compression of the spinal cord, was transferred to the rehabilitation department. After implementing the combined therapy of Virtual Reality-based arm and leg cycling along with transcutaneous electrical stimulation of the spinal cord, the patients experienced a notable enhancement in both sensory and motor abilities as per the ASIA scores. The patient's anxiety and depression were reduced as measured by the Hamilton Anxiety and Hamilton Depression Tests. As evaluated by the SCIM-III, the patient's self-reliance and capacity to carry out everyday tasks showed ongoing enhancement, leading to the restoration of their functionality. Hence, the use of Virtual Reality-based arm and leg cycling along with transcutaneous electrical spinal cord stimulation has potential to positively impact function in patients with spinal cord injury. However, as this is a case report, the small number of patients and the fact that the intervention was initiated early after the injury, we were unable to separate the recovery due to the intervention from the natural recovery that is known to occur in the initial weeks and months after SCI. Therefore, further randomized controlled trials with a large sample size is necessary.

Pharmacological inhibition of cGAS ameliorates postoperative cognitive dysfunction by suppressing caspase-3/GSDME-dependent pyroptosis.

Neuroinflammation is a major driver of postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD). The cyclic GMP-AMP synthase-stimulator of interferon gene (cGAS-STING) signaling is a prominent alarming device for aberrant double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) that has emerged as a key mediator of neuroinflammation in cognitive-related diseases. However, the role of the cGAS-STING pathway in the pathogenesis of POCD remains unclear. A POCD model was developed in male C57BL/6J mice by laparotomy under isoflurane (Iso) anesthesia. The cGAS inhibitor RU.521 and caspase-3 agonist Raptinal were delivered by intraperitoneal administration. BV2 cells were exposed to Iso and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the absence or presence of RU.521, and then cocultured with HT22 cells in the absence or presence of Raptinal. Cognitive function was assessed using the Morris water maze test and novel object recognition test. Immunofluorescence assays were used to observe the colocalization of dsDNA and cGAS. The downstream proteins and pro-inflammatory cytokines were detected using the Western blot and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining was used to assess the degree of cell death in the hippocampus following anesthesia/surgery treatment. Isoflurane/laparotomy and Iso + LPS significantly augmented the levels of cGAS in the hippocampus and BV2 cells, accompanied by mislocalized dsDNA accumulation in the cytoplasm. RU.521 alleviated cognitive impairment, diminished the levels of 2'3'-cGAMP, cGAS, STING, phosphorylated NF-κB p65 and NF-κB-pertinent pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNFα and IL-6), and repressed pyroptosis-associated elements containing cleaved caspase-3, N-GSDME, IL-1ß and IL-18. These phenotypes could be rescued by Raptinal in vivo and in vitro. These findings suggest that pharmacological inhibition of cGAS mitigates neuroinflammatory burden of POCD by dampening caspase-3/GSDME-dependent pyroptosis, providing a potential therapeutic strategy for POCD.

Peripheral 5-HT Mediates Gonadotropin-Inhibitory Hormone-Induced Feeding Behavior and Energy Metabolism Disorder in Chickens via the 5-HT2C Receptor.

INTRODUCTION: Since the discovery of gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH), it has been found to play a critical role in reproduction in vertebrates. Recently, a regulatory role of GnIH in appetite and energy metabolism has emerged, although its precise physiological mechanisms remain unknown. METHODS: Thus, the present study evaluated the effects of a single or long-term intraperitoneal GnIH treatment on the food intake, weight, and glucolipid metabolism of chickens, as well as investigating the possible neuroendocrinology factors and mechanisms involved in GnIH-induced obesity and glucolipid metabolism disorder. RESULTS: Our results show that the intraperitoneal administration of GnIH to chickens resulted in a marked body mass increase, hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia, and glucose intolerance. Subsequently, the results of metabolomics studies and the pharmacological inhibition of the 5-HT2C receptor revealed that blocking the 5-HT2C receptor reinforced the effects of GnIH on food intake, body weight, and blood glucose and lipid levels, resulting in even worse cases of GnIH-induced hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and hepatic lipid deposition. This suggests that, via the 5-HT2C receptor, peripheral 5-HT may act as a negative feedback regulator to interplay with GnIH and jointly control energy balance homeostasis in chickens. DISCUSSION: Our present study provides evidence of cross-talk between GnIH and 5-HT in food intake and energy metabolism at the in vivo pharmacological level, and it proposes a molecular basis for these interactions, suggesting that functional interactions between GnIH and 5-HT may open new avenues for understanding the mechanism of the neuroendocrine network involved in appetite and energy metabolism, as well as providing a new therapeutic strategy to prevent obesity, diabetes, and metabolic disorders.

Spatio-temporal evolution and influencing factors of high quality economic development: Case study of Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

With the increase in global economic integration, high-quality economic development (HQED) has become a common goal of all countries. Based on these five development concepts, this paper uses the Gini coefficient, trend surface analysis, geographically weighted regression (GWR), the entropy weighting method, and standard deviation ellipse analysis to study the spatio-temporal pattern and driving mechanism of HQED in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). This paper examines the spatial and temporal patterns and driving mechanisms of HQED in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) based on five development concepts. The study revealed that (1) HQED is on the rise overall, but at the same time, it highlights the uneven development of multiple dimensions, especially in terms of significant differences in innovation, openness, and sharing. (2) HQED shows a clear center-periphery structure, with Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong as the core high-value areas; the growth rate of HQED capacity in the internal areas is significantly greater than that in the external areas, and HQED is prominent in the cities around Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong. (3) Factors such as agglomeration level, human capital, foreign investment, infrastructure development, financial and environmental protection expenditures, and financial inputs, and scientific, and technological inputs have a significant positive effect on HQED, and their interactions are further strengthened. This study reveals the importance of the realization of HQED in the GBA and the promotion of the overall development of the region.

Associations of healthy eating index-2015 with osteoporosis and low bone mass density in postmenopausal women: a population-based study from NHANES 2007-2018.

Purpose: The current study aimed to explore the associations of diet quality assessed by healthy eating index-2015 (HEI-2015) with risks of osteoporosis and low bone mineral density (BMD) among American postmenopausal women aged 50 years and older. Methods: Postmenopausal women aged 50 years and older in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2007 through 2018 were included in the final sample. Analysis of variance and Rao-Scott adjusted chi-square tests were used to compare the characteristics across tertiles of HEI-2015. Univariate and multivariate weighted logistic regression models were employed to explore the associations of HEI-2015 tertiles and continuous HEI-2015 with the risks of osteoporosis and low BMD. Nonlinear dose-response associations were evaluated using weighted restricted cubic spline analyses, and the contributions of various HEI-2015 components were assessed using weighted quantile sum regression models. Results: The final sample included 3,421 postmenopausal women aged 50 years and older representative for approximately 28.38 million non-institutionalized U.S. postmenopausal women. Osteoporosis prevalence decreased with HEI-2015 tertiles while the prevalence of low BMD showed no significant decrease. Compared with postmenopausal women in the first tertile of HEI-2015, those with the second (OR: 0.57, 95%CI: 0.38-0.84) and third (OR: 0.48, 95%CI: 0.29-0.78) HEI-2015 tertiles were associated with reduced osteoporosis risk after multivariate adjustments, but no significant association of HEI-2015 with the risk of BMD was identified. Furthermore, similar effects were confirmed in the sensitivity analyses and subgroup analyses and interaction effects. Moreover, significant nonlinear associations were observed between HEI-2015 with osteoporosis risk, and total vegetables, refined grains and greens and beans demonstrated the strongest protective effect among HEI-2015 components against osteoporosis. Conclusions: This study strongly suggests the significant negative associations of HEI-2015 with osteoporosis risk in American postmenopausal women. These findings highlight the importance of adherence to the dietary guidelines for Americans in reducing the risk of osteoporosis.

One-Dimensional High-Entropy Compounds.

One-dimensional (1D) high-entropy compounds (HECs) with subnano diameters are highly attractive because long-range electron delocalization may occur along the high-entropy atomic chain, which results in extraordinary properties. Nevertheless, synthesizing such 1D HECs presents a substantial challenge, and the physicochemical attributes of these novel structures remain ambiguous. Herein, we developed a comelting-filling-freezing-modification (co-MFFM) method for synthesizing 1D high-entropy metal phosphide (HEP) by simultaneously encapsulating various metal cations within single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) followed with a phosphorization process. The resulting 1D HEP nanowires confined within SWCNTs exhibit crucial features, including an ultrafine, high-entropy, and amorphous structure, along with a core-shell arrangement. The SWCNT as a shell could donate π electrons to 1D HEP for enhanced electron delocalization and protect 1D HEP as an atomically single-layered protective covering, thus boosting high electrocatalytic activity and stability. Moreover, the co-MFFM method demonstrates scalability for mass production and displays universal applicability to the synthesis of various 1D HECs.

Study on the benefit analysis based on whole life cycle carbon emission calculation after the construction of photovoltaic systems in macau's construction waste landfills.

This study seeks to assess both environmental and economic effects associated with installing photovoltaic systems within construction waste landfills in Macau by employing an effective carbon emissions calculation methodology and benefit analysis method. Beginning by outlining characteristics and challenges associated with construction waste landfills, as well as photovoltaic systems used for this application in this paper. Here, we present a detailed outline of our methodology design, outlining its principles of life cycle analysis, data collection processes and the creation of carbon emissions calculation models. Subsequently, we examine photovoltaic systems within Macau's construction waste landfills by studying system design, component selection and operational strategies as well as carbon emission data collection during their operational time period. Under life cycle carbon emissions calculations, we assess the carbon emissions generated from photovoltaic systems as well as conduct an environmental and economic benefit analysis for carbon reduction benefit analysis purposes. This research incorporates sensitivity analysis and uncertainty consideration in order to conduct an extensive benefit analysis. The research results offer strong support for sustainable photovoltaic systems within Macau waste landfills as well as insights to inform planning and policy formation for similar future projects.

Interfacial Electron Transfer in PbI2@Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube van der Waals Heterostructures for High-Stability Self-Powered Photodetectors.

Acquiring a deep insight into the electron transfer mechanism and applications of one-dimensional (1D) van der Waals heterostructures (vdWHs) has always been a significant challenge. Herein, through direct observation using aberration-corrected transmission electron microscopy (AC-TEM), we verify the stable formation of a high-quality 1D heterostructure composed of PbI2@single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs). The phenomenon of electron transfer between PbI2 and SWCNT is elucidated through spectroscopic investigations, including Raman and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Electrochemical testing indicates the electron transfer and enduring stability of 1D PbI2 within SWCNTs. Moreover, leveraging the aforementioned electron transfer mechanism, we engineer self-powered photodetectors that exhibit exceptional photocurrent and a 3-order-of-magnitude switching ratio. Subsequently, we reveal its unique electron transfer behavior using Kelvin probe force microscopic (KPFM) tests. According to KPFM, the average surface potential of SWCNTs decreases by 80.6 mV after filling. Theoretical calculations illustrate a charge transfer of 0.02 e per unit cell. This work provides an effective strategy for the in-depth investigation and application of electron transfer in 1D vdWHs.

PS-MPs promotes the progression of inflammation and fibrosis in diabetic nephropathy through NLRP3/Caspase-1 and TGF-ß1/Smad2/3 signaling pathways.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a prevalent chronic microvascular complication of diabetes and the leading cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Understanding the progressive etiology of DN is critical for the development of effective health policies and interventions. Recent research indicated that polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) contaminate our diets and accumulate in various organs, including the liver, kidneys, and muscles. METHODS: In this study, ten-week-old db/db mice and db/m mice were fed. Besides, db/db mice were divided into two groups: PS-MPs group (oral administration of 0.5 µm PS-MPs) and an H2O group, and they were fed for three months. A type II diabetes model was established using db/db mice to investigate the effects of PS-MPs on body weight, blood glucose level, renal function, and renal fibrosis. RESULTS: The results demonstrated that PS-MPs significantly exacerbated various biochemical indicators of renal tissue damage, including fasting blood glucose, serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and blood uric acid. Additionally, PS-MPs worsened the pathological alterations and degree of fibrosis in renal tissue. An increased oxidative stress state and elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) were identified. Furthermore, PS-MPs significantly enhanced renal fibrosis by inhibiting the transition from epithelial cells to mesenchymal cells, specifically through the inhibition of the TGF-ß/Smad signaling pathway. The expression levels of NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC), Caspase-1, and cleaved Caspase-1, which are inflammasome proteins, were significantly elevated in the PS-MPs group. CONCLUSION: The findings suggested that PS-MPs could aggravate kidney injury and renal fibrosis in db/db mice by promoting NLRP3/Caspase-1 and TGF-ß1/Smads signaling pathways. These findings had implications for elucidating the role of PS-MPs in DN progression, underscoring the necessity for additional research and public health interventions.

Polymer removal and dispersion exchange of (10,5) chiral carbon nanotubes with enhanced 1.5 µm photoluminescence.

Singe-chirality single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) produced by selective polymer extraction have been actively investigated for their semiconductor applications. However, to fulfil the needs of biocompatible applications, the organic solvents in polymer-sorted SWCNTs impose a limitation. In this study, we developed a novel strategy for organic-to-aqueous phase exchange, which involves thoroughly removing polymers from the sorted SWCNTs, followed by surfactant covering and redispersing of the cleaned SWCNTs in water. Importantly, the obtained aqueous system allows us to perform sp3 functionalization of the SWCNTs, leading to a strong photoluminescence emission at 1550 nm from the defect sites of (10,5) SWCNTs. These functionalized SWCNTs as infrared light emitters show considerable potential for bioimaging applications. This exchange-and-functionalization strategy opens the door for future biocompatible applications of polymer-sorted SWCNTs.

Interlayer Charge Transfer Induced Electrical Behavior Transition in 1D AgI@sSWCNT van der Waals Heterostructures.

The emergence of one-dimensional van der Waals heterostructures (1D vdWHs) opens up potential fields with unique properties, but precise synthesis remains a challenge. The utilization of mixed conductive types of carbon nanotubes as templates has imposed restrictions on the investigation of the electrical behavior and interlayer interaction of 1D vdWHs. In this study, we efficiently encapsulated silver iodide in high-purity semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes (sSWCNTs), forming 1D AgI@sSWCNT vdWHs. We characterized the semiconductor-metal transition and increased the carrier concentration of individual AgI@sSWCNTs via sensitive dielectric force microscopy and confirmed the results through electrical device tests. The electrical behavior transition was attributed to an interlayer charge transfer, as demonstrated by Kelvin probe force microscopy. Furthermore, we showed that this method of synthesizing 1D heterostructures can be extended to other metal halides. This work opens the door for the further exploration of the electrical properties of 1D vdWHs.